As the crab season reaches its peak, rumors about “needle-eye crabs” have sparked considerable attention online. Some claim that the crabs they purchased have these “needle eyes,” while others suggest that these crabs have been injected with stimulants and water. Allegedly, unscrupulous vendors are using needles to inject seawater and other substances into the shells and abdomens of the crabs to keep them alive and increase their weight. But is there any truth to these claims?
To clarify this rumor, two essential questions must be addressed:
1. Do crabs actually have “needle eyes”?
2. Can crabs be injected with liquids?
According to Luo Lin, a researcher at the Aquatic Science Research Institute of the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, the term “needle-eye crab” seems to stem from a misunderstanding. Crabs molt multiple times, and during the period when their new shells are still soft, they can be harmed by the hardened legs of other crabs in the vicinity. This can create what appears to be holes, but they are not true needle marks. “If you were to pierce them with a needle, the holes would be irregular or larger, unlike the small, perfectly round marks seen when crabs are still soft,” he explains.
In reality, the so-called “needle eyes” on crabs are likely to be injuries sustained during their natural growth process, often the result of struggles among themselves. Additionally, minor injuries can occur during capture and transportation.
When it comes to injecting water into crabs, experts assert that such actions would likely lead to the crabs’ death. Luo points out that injecting water would disrupt the osmotic pressure around the crabs’ organs, causing dehydration or overhydration and ultimately leading to death. Therefore, “needle-eye crabs” cannot exist in live specimens.
Luo further explains, “Crabs have fine muscle fibers, which means their ability to retain water is extremely low. If you inject water into them, it would simply leak out the other side, making it ineffective for weight gain. Moreover, injecting them could harm their internal organs, which would also lead to death. The logistics of injecting thousands of crabs also poses significant challenges, with high risks of mortality among them.”
Interestingly, when researchers attempted to inject saline solution, the crabs didn’t survive the night, even though the amount injected was minimal. “For a crab weighing about 200 grams, injecting just 2 milliliters of water, which is a tiny gain of 2 grams, is pointless,” Luo emphasizes.
Experts also clarify misconceptions about the clear gelatinous substance found inside crabs. This is known as crab roe, a secretion from male crabs’ accessory glands, rich in nutrients and flavor, not a result of any water or gelatin injections. Claims about injecting hormones or stimulants are unfounded, as these substances are ineffective and detrimental, potentially harming the water quality essential for crab survival.
Luo adds, “If they can’t even survive saline injection, there’s no way they would survive gelatin. Crabs have immune systems that would react against foreign substances.”
As October sets in, and with the arrival of out-of-season fruits and vegetables, there are also rumors circulating about the possible heavy use of pesticides in these crops. But are these claims true?
Experts contend that the cultivation of out-of-season fruits and vegetables relies more on scientific agricultural techniques rather than excessive pesticide use. They utilize methods like biological control and physical prevention, which help minimize reliance on chemical pesticides.
Liang Hao, a senior engineer at the Vegetable Research Institute of the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, explains, “In our out-of-season cultivation processes, we create a controlled environment through greenhouses that shields crops from external conditions. This naturally reduces the incidence of pests and diseases, resulting in lower pesticide usage.”
Experts emphasize the importance of proper pesticide application in agriculture, assuring that when done responsibly, it poses no harm to public health. Furthermore, stringent regulations ensure that the safety of out-of-season produce is maintained.
They advise consumers to purchase produce from reputable sources, paying attention to their origins and certifications. Proper washing and preparation can significantly reduce pesticide residue, such as rinsing under running water or soaking followed by rinsing.
As for debunking recent lifestyle-related rumors circulating online, here are a couple more examples:
**Rumor**: The white powder on grapes is pesticide residue.
**Truth**: The white coating on grapes, blueberries, and plums is actually a natural bloom, made up of sugars and alcohols produced by the fruit itself. It is harmless and indicates freshness. While pesticides can leave a thin layer of residue, the distinction is clear: natural bloom appears uniformly and does not mask the fruit’s color.
**Rumor**: More probiotics in yogurt is always better.
**Truth**: While probiotics are beneficial for gut health, having excessive amounts doesn’t necessarily lead to better health outcomes. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial, and overconsumption can disrupt this balance, leading to issues like bloating or diarrhea.
As we navigate through these misconceptions, it’s critical to rely on expert insight and scientific evidence to cut through the noise of misinformation.
